This summer has been brutally hot in many parts of the world, but it has to cool down eventually. Ever the optimists, weāre stocking up on eco-friendly picnic supplies now. That way, when we do get a pocket of perfect weather, weāre prepared to hit the park for a breezy outdoor lunch or to find a shady spot for an afternoon of wine and cheese.
We recognize that āeco-friendlyā means different things to different people, so weāve sourced some of the most stylish versions of reusable, reused, and compostable picnic supplies below (we have plenty of picnic food ideas, too). And because āsummery thingsā hit the shelves in the spring, they often go on sale in July and August to make room for all things pumpkin spice, so a handful of our picks are discounted for the season.
Sustainable lightweight dishes
While we love modern melamine plates for outdoor dining, dishes made from bamboo and wheat straw are a more sustainable option. Like melamine, these materials are lightweight and dishwasher-safe. Theyāre a lot nicer than paper plates too.
Travel flatware sets
Unless youāre trying to work your way through a million packets of unsolicited plastic utensils that piled up after two years of takeout, consider a reusable travel set for picnicking. These cute sets come with their own cases, which means your flatware stays clean until youāre ready to eatāthen the case contains the mess when youāre done.
Sustainable cloth napkins
Yes, paper products will eventually break down on their own, but reusable cloth napkins look better, feel better, absorb better, and theyāre less likely to be picked up and carried away in a light breeze. You can use them to swat away those pesky flies too.
Eco-friendly portable drinkware
Look, if you want to brown bag a tall boy for your picnic in the park, weāre not here to judge. But just in case you want something slightly more refined, consider one of these eco-friendly drinkware options. Compostable cups are the most lightweight, space-saving solution while insulated tumblers will help keep your beverage cool. You can even pour an entire bottle of wine into a reusable insulated container for temperature-controlled, leak-free transport.
Recycled picnic blankets
Nature is nice and all, but thereās nothing pleasant about trying to eat while sitting on a bed of ants, twigs, and dirt (and donāt even get us started on sand). Create a barrier between your picnic and the bare earth with a water-repellent outdoor blanket made from recycled materials.
Sustainable food storage
Keep your load light by using food storage containers to transport foodāand then use them as bowls. Or enjoy your meal from a sustainably made bento box.
Eco-friendly picnic baskets and cooler bags
Finally, youāll need a way to tote all of your food and eco-friendly picnic supplies from your kitchen to the perfect patch of grass (or sand, if you must). An insulated cooler bag made from recycled materials will help keep perishables colder longer, but a picnic basket made from sustainable materials is certainly the more stylish option. For an even more environmentally friendly tote, consider a vintage picnic basket.
